Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry and US envoy Amos Hochstein in Beirut, June 18, 2024. (Credit: Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament)
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that his party, the Amal Movement, will be "on the front line" in the event of an Israeli ground offensive in southern Lebanon, noting that the country is facing a "decisive and fateful month" in the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.
In an interview published Monday night by the state-run news channel Russia Today, Berri expressed his "concern about the evolving situation in the south."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that the Israeli army might shift some forces to the Lebanese border after concluding "intense" combat against Hamas in southern Gaza. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared in response that his party is ready to fight "without restrictions or limits" if war ensues, warning that "no place in Israel will be spared."
'On the front line'
Berri emphasized that Amal has been actively fighting on Lebanese soil since the conflict began on Oct. 8, 2023, and asserted, "If there is an Israeli ground incursion, we will be on the front line." Israeli strikes have killed around twenty Amal fighters and several civil defense rescuers from the party's medical association, al-Risala Scouts.
Despite Israeli violations of UN Resolution 1701, Berri reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to its full implementation, while calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories. He criticized Israel for violating engagement rules and adopting a “scorched-earth” policy in border areas. Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, calls for Hezbollah's withdrawal north of the Litani River and the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the border area.
Denial of weapon stockpiles
Berri dismissed accusations from the British daily the Telegraph about Hezbollah weapon stockpiles at Rafik Hariri International Airport. The claims were also denied by Lebanese Cabinet members during a visit to the airport with ambassadors and journalists on Monday.
"This is not the first time fabricated campaigns have targeted Beirut airport," he told Russia Today.
Negotiations with Israel
Regarding the latest negotiations by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein between Beirut and Tel Aviv aimed at reducing tensions, Berri stated he is "awaiting responses" from Hochstein's visit to Israel but has not received them, casting doubt on the American initiative for a truce. The proposal suggests Hezbollah withdraw eight kilometers from the border in exchange for a similar withdrawal by the Israeli army into its territory.
During his visit to Beirut on June 18, Hochstein warned Lebanese officials that Hezbollah was mistaken in believing the U.S. controlled Israel, a message conveyed during his meeting with Berri. According to reports by Axios, Hochstein indicated that escalating tensions could lead to an Israeli invasion of Lebanon, emphasizing that "Hezbollah is wrong to think the U.S. could prevent Israel from invading Lebanon" if the border situation continues to deteriorate.
